Rwanda has become the first African nation to sign the "United Against Online Abuse" (UAOA) Charter, an initiative spearheaded by the international automobile federation (FIA) to combat online abuse and hate speech in sports.

The signing took place on Friday, December 13, during the FIA General Assemblies in Kigali.

The UAOA campaign calls for collective action among governments, technology platforms, and sports organisations to address online harassment effectively.

"We are aligned on our values and shared goals across key sectors such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to our continued partnership. The future of motorsport in Africa, and in Rwanda, is bright,” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said after the signing of the charter.

Sports minister, Richard Nyirishema, said the UAOA is a step that aligns with Rwanda’s values of inclusivity and accountability.

"We are proud to join the 'United Against Online Abuse' campaign and contribute to fostering a safer digital environment in sports,” he said.

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What you need to know about the UAOA charter

The UAOA charter is a global initiative designed to combat online abuse and hate speech, particularly in the realm of sports. Its primary aim is to create safer digital spaces by addressing the growing issue of harassment targeting athletes, fans, and stakeholders.

As part of it, governments are called upon to play a crucial role in enacting and enforcing policies to regulate online abuse, while technology platforms are tasked with developing tools and algorithms to detect and prevent abusive behaviour.

Meanwhile, sporting organisations are encouraged to promote campaigns and educational initiatives to address online harassment and ensure athlete welfare.